The heavy fire broke out just after midnight Wednesday, causing severe damage to a three-story home at 413 Jeliff Ave., said Newark Fire Chief Michael Lalor. Fire crews spent roughly 40 minutes trying to put out the one-alarm blaze, which caused severe damage to the first and second floor of the building.

Lalor said the fire was extinguished before it could cause extensive damage to third floor and loft areas.

The building was occupied by six different families, according to Lalor, who said the damage was so extensive that all 19 occupants had to be relocated.

Lalor said the "use of illegal fireworks" caused the fire, but he did not say if there were any arrests or summonses issued following the incident.